Payroll Supervisor (Accountant III) - Finance Department (Central Payroll Division)

About This PositionThe City of Phoenix is a full-service municipality and the largest council-manager government in the U.S., employing over 14,000 staff across more than 40 departments, supported by seven employee unions and associations, and operating on a $7.8 billion annual budget. Led by a Mayor and eight council members who appointed the City Manager to oversee daily operations and financial management, Phoenix is recognized for innovation, best practice governance, and a forward-thinking commitment to exceptional public service. Guided by its vision to make Phoenix a great place to live, work, and visit through a dynamic, sustainable environment, the City emphasizes being an employee friendly, inclusive, and progressive workplace that prioritizes competitive compensation, cultural respect, innovation, and customer service excellence. To learn more about the City of Phoenix, go to: www.phoenix.gov .The Finance Department's 234 employees ensure the City of Phoenix remains fiscally sound by adhering to legal requirements and established financial management principles while delivering key services such as debt and capital financing, payroll, accounting, procurement, treasury operations, risk and inventory management, tax and licensing, and real property management. Guided by stewardship, integrity, and innovation, the department manages city resources responsibly to support essential public services and long-term financial stability. Through technology-driven solutions, transparent practices, and proactive planning, the Finance Department strengthens cost efficiency, promotes economic growth, upholds public trust, and helps maintain Phoenix as a resilient and well-managed organization.The Central Payroll Division of the Finance Department is offering an exciting opportunity for a Payroll Supervisor who is passionate about payroll processing. This position performs professional and highly technical accounting work as it relates to payroll processing. The role supports the development, evaluation, and refinement of procedures, ensures compliance with federal and state requirements, and provides expert guidance to departments on complex payroll matters. As the Payroll Supervisor, you will lead and train staff to ensure accurate and timely issuance of employees' and retirees' paychecks. This includes reviewing payroll reports, researching and resolving discrepancies, supporting compliance activities, and collaborating closely with the Payroll Manager to maintain a smooth, efficient, and reliable payroll function.Key ResponsibilitiesLead the team in processing biweekly and special payrolls accurately, timely, and in full compliance with City labor agreements, retirement plan rules, administrative directives, and applicable federal, state, local tax laws, and regulations.Ensure strict adherence to all City labor agreements, polices, procedures, federal, state, and local payroll laws and regulations.Review, audit, approve, and reconcile payroll data and system outputs for accuracy and completeness.Analyze payroll records, investigate discrepancies, and recommend corrective actions to maintain data integrity.Protect confidential payroll information and uphold all security protocols.Prepare complex military leave 401(a) and retirement-plan calculations.Maintain accurate employee records- including deductions, tax withholdings, and earnings- ensuring documentation is updated in accordance with records retention schedules.Assist in evaluating processes and recommend improvements to increase efficiency, accuracy, and compliance.Support payroll year-end activities such as W-2 preparation and 1099-R processing.Calculate long-term disability overpayments and maintain the accounts receivable.Prepare written documentation that is clear, organized, and professionally presented.Demonstrate superior customer service, integrity, and commitment to innovation and efficiency.Assist with implementing and testing payroll software updates and process improvements, including the implementation of the City's planned Time and Labor module.Upon supervisory and department head approval, this position may work remotely up to 2 days per week.IDEAL CANDIDATEThe ideal candidate demonstrates a strong understanding of generally accepted accounting principles- particularly those related to current federal, state, and City of Phoenix payroll calculations, tax regulations, and employment laws.Experience with complex accounting systems and interpreting regulations.Ability to observe, compare, and monitor data for compliance with rules and regulations.A process driven mindset, attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast paced environment.Sound judgment, strategic thinking, and a commitment to innovation and continuous improvement.Advanced proficiency in Excel and competence in Word.Possess exceptional communication and interpersonal skills.SALARYPay Range: $67,849.60 to $110,510.40 annually.Hiring Range: $67,849.60 to $100,235.20 annually.Pay Range ExplanationPay range is the entire compensation range for the position classification.Hiring range is an estimate of where you can receive an offer. The actual salary offer will carefully consider a wide range of factors, including your skills, qualifications, experience, education, licenses, training, and internal equity.BenefitsA comprehensive benefits package is offered which includes:Traditional pension with employer and employee contributions, click here for more details: Pension Information401(a) and 457 plans with employer contributionsChoice of generous medical HMO, PPO, or HSA/HDHP plansMedical enrollment includes a monthly $150 City contribution to a Post-Employment Health PlanWellness incentive of up to $720 annuallyDental, vision, and life insurance optionsEmployer paid long-term disabilityFree Bus/light rail passTuition reimbursement program up to $6,500 per yearPaid time off includes 13.5 paid holidays, 12 vacation days, and 15 sick days and personal leave daysPaid Parental Leave for eligible employees up to 480 hours (12 weeks) of paid leave for the birth, adoption, or foster care placement of a child during a 12-month periodFederal Student Loan Forgiveness offered through SaviFor more details, visit: Unit 007 BenefitsMinimum QualificationsFour years of progressively responsible experience as a professional accountant, including some experience training and supervising paraprofessional and professional accounting personnel.Bachelor's degree in accounting, business or public administration or a related field.Other combinations of experience and education that meet the minimum requirements may be substituted.All finalists for positions are subject to a criminal background check applicable to the department or position.For information regarding pre-screening and driving positions, click here.The City job description can be found here.Preferred QualificationsThe minimum qualifications listed above, plus:Experience processing payroll in a unionized environment.Technological experience with payroll/financial software, implementation & updates.Knowledge with accounting principles & practices.Ability to interpret and apply local government security policies and compliance frameworks.Experience with SAP or other large ERP systems.RECRUITMENT DATESRecruitment closes May 26, 2026. All materials must be received by 11:59 p.m. on this date.This is a position-based recruitment and will not result in any ongoing eligibility list. This recruitment and any selection processes resulting from this recruitment may be used to fill other related vacancies within the organization now or in the near future.How To ApplyApply online by completing the required information and attaching, as one document, your cover letter and resume. Please include your experience as it relates to the qualifications stated above. Only the highest qualified may be posted to the eligible to hire list. The results of the resume screening process will be sent to your primary email address.WE ARE HERE TO HELPJob interviews may be held by video or audio conference.If you are in need of computer resources, click here for free options.Arizona at Work has frequent classes to help with resume writing, interviewing skills, and general career guidance. Click here for more information.Explore other Employment Opportunities with the City of Phoenix.Subscribe to receive e-mail notifications about new employment opportunities.If you require assistance at any stage of the application process due to an accessibility issue, please contact the Human Resources Department by phone at (602) 495-5700 or by text at (800) 367-8939. You may also fill out and submit a Reasonable Accommodation Request Form.REFERENCEAccountant III, JC:03240, ID# 61851, 05/13/26, USM, PA, Benefits:007Building the Phoenix of tomorrow.#DoWorkThatMakesPhoenixWorkCity of Phoenix is an equal opportunity employer. AmeriCorps, Peace Corps, and other national service alumni who meet the required qualifications are encouraged to apply.